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Ridgewood Public Schools Reading List
(This list was copied from the Ridgewood Reading List)
NEWBERY 2001 BOOKS
Peck, Richard
A Year Down Yonder2001 Newbery Winner
In this sequel to A Long Way to Chicago, 15-year old Mary Alice will be staying with her rough and gruff grandmother. They share many adventures as Alice becomes her Grandmother's partner in crime, helping to carry out madcap schemes to benefit friends and avenge enemies.
Bauer, Joan Hope Was Here
Sixteen-year old Hope lives with her Aunt Addie and together they have grown used to moving frequently from city to city and from job to job. This time when Addie accepts a new job, Hope is disappointed to be leaving an exciting life in Brooklyn to go to the Welcome Stairways Diner in Wisconsin. But life in Wisconsin turns out to be very interesting when Hope becomes involved in a political campaign to oust the town's corrupt mayor.
DiCamillo, Kate Because of Winn Dixie
April and her father move to a small town in Florida where she feels lonely and unhappy until rescuing an abandoned dog in the local grocery. Winn-Dixie (named after the store) becomes April's avenue to meet the townspeople who prove to be far more interesting than she had imagined.
Gantos, Jack Joey Pigza Loses Control
Joey's disaster-prone life has improved since Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key. He is finally in charge of his attention deficit disorder, thanks to his new medication. But spending the summer with his father, a bigger version of his "wired" self, Joey has to find a way to survive after his father flushes his meds down the toilet.Creech, Sharon The Wanderer
TIMELESS FAVORITES
Alcott, Louisa May Little Women
Austen, Jane Emma
The meddling Emma Woodhouse takes on the self-appointed role of matchmaker. The recent movie Clueless was inspired by this book.Burnett, Frances Hodgson The Secret Garden
Dickens, Charles A Tale of Two Cities
Dickens, Charles Oliver Twist
DuBois, William Pene The Twenty-One Balloons
Grahame, Kenneth The Wind in the Willows
Greene, Bettt Summer of My German Soldier
When a small town in Arkansas becomes a German prisoners camp during World War II, 12-year-old Patty Bergen befriends a prison escapee.Keyes, Daniel Flowers for Algernon
Due to an experimental brain operation, Charlie, a mentally challenged adult, becomes a genius.Kipling, Rudyard The Jungle Books
Kipling, Rudyard Just So Stories
Knowles, John A Separate PeaceLee, Harper To Kill A Mockingbird
Set in the small Southern town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Depression, To Kill a Mockingbird follows the life of 8-year-old Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father Atticus. Told through the eyes of young Scout, the story explores the theme of race relations when a young black man is accused of raping a white woman.London, Jack Call of the Wild
Lord, Walter A Night to Remember
This has long been the definitive story of the sinking of the Titanic upon which two movies were based.......many years before the latest Titanic movie of 1999. If you liked any of the movies, you'll love the book!Montgomery, L.M. Anne of Green Gables
Orwell, George Animal Farm
The story of a workers' revolution where a farm is taken over by its overworked, mistreated animals. These barnyard animals aim to create a new society without humans which is fair to everyone until the lure of power begins to corrupt even the animals. It is a political fable based on the events of Russia's Bolshevik revolution.Paton, Alan Cry, the Beloved
South Africa during aparteid is the setting of this story, which is emotionally gripping, and deepens understanding of the devasting affects of prejudice.Smith, Bette A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Stevenson, Robert Louis The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
A wealthy physician, Dr. Jekyll, drinks a potion of his own creation, only to unleash the dark side of his nature, turning into the hideous Mr. Hyde.
CONTEMPORARY FICTION
Almond, David Kit's Wilderness
Kit's family has moved to the town of Stonygate, a decaying coal mining town. Here Kit meets some ghostly friends and gets involved in their game called "death."Bloor, Edward Tangerine
When Paul's family moves to Tangerine County, bizarre things happen and weird becomes normal. Paul is legally blind, but even with his thick glasses, he "sees" better than most people. Paul has spent most of his life overshadowed by his older brother; but in Tangerine anything can happen and Paul learns some shocking truths.Cabot, Meg Princess Diaries
Coman, Carolyn Many Stones
Berry and her father confront the problems in their relationship when they travel to South Africa to attend a memorial service honoring Berry's murdered sister. A well-written book that portrays Berry's feelings as she struggles to accept her sister's death and reconnect with her father.Creech, Sharon
Walk Two Moons1995 Newbery Winner
Deuker, Carl Night Hoops
Nick Abbott desperately wants to make the varsity basketball team in his sophomore year. As he hones his skills as a point guard, he must learn tolerance and compassion for his bullying arrogant neighbor Trent as they face challenges on and off the court.Fenner, Carol
Yolanda's Genius1996 Newbery Honor Book
Yolanda is a big, cool, street-wise fifth grader who is very protective of her young brother, Andrew. Although he doesn't say much and is often thought to be "slow", Yolanda is convinced that he is a musical genius. He's just different and speaks through the music he plays on his harmonica. Yolanda devises a plan to showcase Andrew's talent and convince the adults, particularly Aunt Tiny.Fleischman, Paul Whirligig
When sixteen-year old Brent accidentally causes the death of a young girl, he embarks alone on a journey to the four corners of the country.Hahn, Mary Downing As Ever, Gordy
This is the sequel to Stepping On The Cracks following the troubled, Gordy who after spending time away from his abusive family, returns to town. Although he has changed, his reputation has not.Hahn, Mary Downing Anna on the Farm
Hesser, Terry Kissing Doorknobs
Hinton, S.E. The Outsiders
This book is a modern classic and after reading it you'll see why it's turned so many kids on to reading . The story of Pony Boy, Sodapop, Dally and Two-Bit who are considered "outsiders" by the more well to do "Socs" in their school is a gripping one that may change your thinking. It was written by Hinton at the age of seventeen.Holt, Kimberly When Zachary Beaver Came to Town
Holt, Kimberly Dancing in Cadillac Light
Konigsburg, E.L.
The View From Saturday1997 Newbery Winner
Noah, Nadia, Ethan and Julian have been picked for the Academic Bowl team in middle school. They are not sure why they were selected but evolve into a fantastic winning machine. Each of the team members has a story that intertwines with their discovery of each others special talents and abilities. Another award winning book by this very popular author.Lynch, Chris Gold Dust
Richard Riley is a devoted Red Sox fan and dreams of becoming a star player like the 1975 "Gold Dust Twins", Fred Rice and Fred Lynn. When Napoleon Ellis arrives from Barbados, he decides to train him to be the other half of his duo. But, Napoleon is from a different culture and cricket is his game. The friendship must weather racial conflicts and involves many compromises that Richard finds hard to accept. If you like baseball and enjoy stories about unlikely friendships, this book is a perfect choice.Myers, Walter Dean Monster
A powerful story about a 16-year old African-American boy who is on trial for murder. Written as part diary and part courtroom drama, the details of the crime unfold and the boy makes a startling realization about himself. Recommended for mature readers.Myers, Walter Dean Slam
Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds Saving Shiloh
The last book in the Shiloh trilogy about young Marty and his dog Shiloh.Orr, Wendy Peeling the Onion
This is the harrowing story of strong, athletic Anna Duncan whose body is shattered in an accident. During her recovery she and others must adjust to the outwardly new person she has become as her looks, her friends and her sport of karate have been peeled away, much like the layers of an onion. Now she must decide who she is and who she wants to be.Perkins, Lynne Rae All Alone in the Universe
"Before last summer Maureen and I were best friends. At least I think we were. I don't know what happened exactly. As people who get hit by trucks sometimes say, 'I didn't see anything coming.'" --Debbie.Philbrick, Rodman Max the Mighty
Schnur, Steven The Koufax Dilemma
Danny is the best pitcher on his school's baseball team. When the opening game falls on the first night of Passover, Danny's mother does not want him to play. But Danny is caught between loyalty to his team and loyalty to his family and religion. Like baseball legend Sandy Koufax, Danny has a decision to make.Spinelli, Jerry Stargirl
Imagine a new girl entering your high school whose name is Stargirl. She dresses oddly and has a pet rat, but no TV. She sings "Happy Birthday" to kids she doesn't even know, but she knows their birthdays. As cheerleader, she cheers for her school and also for the other team. Leo, a classmate, is as confused as everyone else, but might be falling in love with her.Spinelli, Jerry Crash
Stevenson, James The Unprotected Witness
Voigt, Cynthia Bad, Badder, Baddest
Whelan, Gloria Homeless Bird
Set in modern India, this is the story of 13-year old Koly, who is forced into an arranged marriage which goes unexpectedly wrong.White, Ruth Belle Prater's Boy
Why did Belle Prater leave her son ,Woodrow, in Coal Station, Virginia and vanish? Everyone in town has a theory, including Woodrow's 6th grade classmate, Gypsy. Through the often hilarious and sometimes touching adventures of this team everyone eventuallylearns the answer and also meets two very memorable characters.
HISTORICAL FICTION
Anderson, Laurie Halse Fever 1793
Philadelphia was the capital of the United States in 1793, the hub of the nation and the seat of President George Washington's government. Mattie, her mother, Lucinda,and Eliza, a member of the Free African Society run an inn in the city. Mattie's grandfather a veteran of the Revolutionary War also lives with them. When the yellow fever epidemic hits the wealthy flee the city and others are left to cope with the fear, ignorance and death the deadly disease brings. Mattie grows up quickly. The book is based on careful research with a fascinating and exciting story to tell.Avi Don't You Know There's A War On?
Barrett, Tracy Anna of Byzantium
Anna is the daughter of an Emperor and the next heir to the Bzyantine Empire, or is she? Anna knew when her little brother was born that he was going to cause trouble for her. Now, brother John has his eye on the throne, and Anna's Grandmother is poised to help him become the next Emperor.Blackwood, Gary The Shakespeare Stealer & Shakespeare's Scribe
Collier, James Lincoln
My Brother Sam is Dead'75 Newbery Honor Book
Set in the town of Redding, Connecticut, this is a story about a family torn apart during the Revolutionary War. Told through the eyes of young Tim Meeker, he is caught between his brother's patriotism to the rebel cause and his father's loyalty to the British.Curtis, Christopher Paul
The Watsons Go to Birmingham'96 Newbery Honor Book
The Weird Watson family of Detroit are on their way to visit Grandma in Birmingham, Alabama. But life can be dangerous for an African-American family in the south in 1963, and the Watsons find themselves in the middle of a terrible act of racial violence. This historical fiction book is set at the start of the civil rights movement and is based on an actual event.Cushman, Karen
Catherine, Called Birdy'95 Newbery Honor Book
Set in the Middle Ages, this book is Catherine's diary of her 14th year. It's going to be quite a year for Catherine because her father has decided that it's time she got married, and he is going to select her future husband. But Catherine is determined that she will not be forced to marry. She will do just about anything to spoil her father's plans by plotting many tricks and schemes to drive her suitors away.Cushman, Karen Matilda Bone
Fourteen-year old Matilda has spend most of her life in a manor house. But suddenly Matilda finds herself in Blood and Bone Alley apprenticed to Peg the Bonesetter. Bloodlettings, bone settings, foul remedies, and scary surgeries give the reader a taste of the practice of medicine in the Middle Ages.Forbes, Ester Johnny Tremain
Fourteen-year-old Johnny is a talented apprentice to a silversmith. But it's 1773 and his life is about to take a new turn. The Sons of Liberty need a boy to sneak messages past the British soldiers.Giff, Patricia Reilly Nory Ryan's Song
Irish Nory, growing up in poverty hopes to some day go to America. The "Potato Famine" coupled with the harsh English landowners almost extinguishes her dream . This is an outstanding depiction of the horrors of the famine and a girl you will remember.Giff, Patricia Reilly
Lily's Crossing1998 Newbery Honor Book
Lily and Albert become friends during the summer of 1944. WWII is raging and Lily's father goes off to war, leaving her with just her Grandmother. Her neighbor, Albert, is a refugee boy from Hungary who has lost everyone in his family except his sister. His sister is still trapped in Europe and Albert is determined to go back and find her.Hesse, Karen
Out of the Dust1998 Newbery Winner
Thirteen-year old Billie Joe lives with her mom and dad until a terrible accident happens that changes her life inside and out. The year is 1930 and the setting is Oklahoma. Billie Joe must endure drout, dust storms and depression--it's the hardest year she has ever known. Poetic and haunting, this story of the Dust Bowl tells of one girls rise out of her ruined life to one of ultimate hope.Holm, Jennifer L.
Our Only May Amelia2000 Newbery Honor Book
May Amelia , living in a settlement along the Nasel River in Oregon, is the only daughter in a large family of boys. In fact she is the only girl ever born in the settlement and is considered a miracle by everyone except her grandmother who labels her high spirits " no account". She prays that the new baby her mother is carrying will be a girl.
The story was based on the diary of the author's grand aunt.Lester, Julius The Pharaoh's Daughter:
A Novel of Ancient EgyptMagorian, Michelle Good Night, Mr. Tom
During World War II many children living in London were sent away to the country villages to live with other families until the war ended and the brutal bombing of London was over. This is the story of one boy who was placed with a man who lived alone and was thought of as reclusive and difficult. It is surprising how being responsible for someone else can cause changes and forge bonds.Maguire, Gregory The Good Liar
For a class project on WWII, students have to interview someone that lived during the war. The class writes to Mr. Delarue, who responds back about his experiences growing up in France when the Nazis occupied his town. He calls himself and his family really "good liars" because of what they did during the war.Meyer, Carolyn Mary, Bloody Mary
A story based on the life of Mary Tudor, half sister to Queen Elizabeth and daughter to Henry VIII. As a baby, Mary was adored by her father and was thought to be the next heir to the throne. But gradually the King decides that his heir must be male and begins an affair with Anne Boleyn. Follow Mary's story as she is separated from her Mother, stripped of her title and banished.Namioka, Lensey Ties that Bind, Ties that Break
Set in China in 1911, this story is about 5-year Ailin. According to tradition, Ailin should have her feet bound, but her parents do not agree on whether to do it. The revolution is just starting in China and her father hopes that things can be different for Ailin. But they all know that Ailin will be ostracized if she does not follow the traditional path.Orczy, Baroness Emma The Scarlet Pimpernel
Paterson, Katherine Preacher's Boy
Petry, Ann Lane Tituba of Salem Village
Rinaldi, Ann Girl in Blue
Speare, Elizabeth George The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Kit Tyler arrives by ship having traveled from her home in Barbados to the coast of colonial Connecticut where she will now be living. She is at once under suspicion by the both superstitious and pious colonists who think she might be a witch. She dove into the water to rescue a child's doll and stayed afloat ! Everyone knows that a test for witches is to throw them into the water. The witches float and those who are not witches will sink like a stone. This is a wonderful story set in the era of the witch hunts of New England.
HUMOR
Fine, Anne Flour Babies
Mr. Cassidy's sixth-grade class of boys reluctantly agrees to a science fair project in which each student has to take care of a sack of flour, pretending it's a real baby, for three weeks. The entire class can't wait for the end of the experiment when they plan to throw their troublesome sacks all over the classroom, creating a gigantic explosion of white flour.Friedman, Robin How I Survived My Summer Vacation
Gantos, Jack Joey Pizga Swallows the Key
Gilbreth, Frank & E G. Carey Cheaper by the Dozen
This is the hilarious (and true ) story of a well known "efficiency expert" who raises his twelve children in what he considers the most efficient way. Everyone is taught to shower in three minutes and dress in five all the while listening to French lessons to improve themselves. When he decides that it would be a good idea to have all the children's tonsils out at the same time, and plans to film the procedures to enable the doctor to improve his skills, things get interesting. The doctor discovers he needs to have his tonsils out too. The family is loving and caring and a bit chaotic. Mother is often coming to the rescue. The setting is Montclair, New Jersey around 1920.Korman, Gordon No More Dead Dogs
Levine, Gail Carson
Ella Enchanted1998 Newbery Honor Book
In a humorous retelling of the classic Cinderella story, Ella is given the gift of "obedience" by her ditzy fairy godmother. When her wicked stepsisters discover this, Ella is in constant danger. Fortunately, Ella has a plan and ends up with Prince Char. But, it won't be the way you remember the story!Lowry, Lois Anastasia Krupnick series
Lynch, Chris Slot Machine
A hilarious and poignant story about 14-year old Elvin who is a little overweight and non-athletic. He discovers that the "fun" summer camp that his new school advertised is really meant to slot boys into the right sports activity. As Elvin bounces from one humiliating sport to another, he keeps his sense of humor and learns that it's ok to be just who he is.Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds Alice series
Snicket, Lemony The Hostile Hospital
Book 8 in the Series of Unfortunate Events.
MYSTERY
Clark, Mary Higgins Any Title
Dowell, Frances Dovey Coe
"My name is Dovey Coe, and I reckon it don't matter if you like me or not. I'm here to lay the record straight, to let you know them folks saying I done a terrible thing are liars.... I hated Parnell Caraway as much as the next person, but I didn't kill him."Duncan, Lois Killing Mr. Griffin
Several students, upset about the grading system of their English teacher, Mr. Griffin, decide to get even by giving him a scare. As he walks in the parking lot one day they sneak up behind him, throw a large bag over his head, and put him in the trunk of a car. That should teach him not to be so "unfair". The students are the ones who learn the lesson. Mr. Griffin had a heart condition and he is dead. What happens now?Duncan, Lois Ransom
After school, five students get on the school bus to return home . Noticing that the driver is an unfamiliar substitute, one sits behind him to help him out with the turns along the route. When only five remain, the driver passes the entrance to the exclusive development where they lives and despite their shouts does not slow down until stopping to pick up a man further along the road. When he enters the bus he reveals a gun and the five realize that they have been kidnapped and will be held for ransom.Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds Jade Green: A Ghost Story
When Judith looses both her parents, her rich uncle agrees to take her in under one condition: nothing green can ever be brought into the house. But the picture frame that holds the only photo of Judith's parents is green. She can't leave it behind, but what will happened if she brings something green into the house?Nixon, Joan Lowery A Dark and Deadly Pool
Nixon, Joan Lowery Nobody's There
Poe, Edgar Allan Short Stories
Sachar, Louis
Holes1999 Newbery Winner
Stanley Yelnates is accused of stealing, and he is sent to a children's work camp called Camp Green Lake. There, he and other inmates each have to dig a hole 5-feet wide and 5-feet deep every day in a dried up lake-bed. The camp's scary warden is looking for something and Stanley wants to know what. This complex, yet fun and mysterious story will keep you turning pages until the very end.Zindel, Paul Raptor
Zindel, Paul Rats
SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY
Alexander, Lloyd T. The High King
Almond, David Skellig
Almond, David Heaven's Eyes
Bradbury, Ray The Martian Chronicles
Cooper, Susan The Dark is Rising series
Cooper, Susan The BoggartGilmore, Kate The Exchange Student
It's the year 2094, and Daria's mother agrees to take in Fen, an exchange student from the planet Chela.Haddix, Margaret Turnabout
At the age of 100 and 103, Molly and Anny Beth agree to participate in an experiment to reverse the aging process. They are getting younger every day and the doctors have not been able to figure out how to stop it. Now they are teenagers again and are desperately looking to find someone to take care of them before they become too young.Haddix, Margaret Among the Hidden
Luke is a third child in a future society where families are strictly limited to only two children. Forced to live in hiding all his life, Luke has never been to school, had a birthday party, or even had a friend. Life is pretty lonely for Luke when one day he thinks he sees another "shadow child" in the house next door. Could there be more children like him out there? Luke needs to find out.Jacques, Brian Castaways of the Flying Dutchman
Jacques, Brian Lord Brocktree
(Book 13 in the Redwall Series)Lewis, C. S. The Chronicles of Narnia
This series begins with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and another six titles continue the story of the imaginary land reached by going through the magic wardrobe. The four children who make this journey meet Aslan and other characters who have become well known by children everywhere. It is grand fantasy.Lowry, Lois Gathering Blue
McCaffrey, Ann The Masterharper of Pern
McKinley, Robin Spindle's End
Paterson, Katherine Parzival:
The Quest of the Grail KnightPullman, Phillip The Amber Spyglass
The last book in the trilogy that began with The Golden Compass picks up right where The Subtle Knife left off.Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry's fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy gets off to an exciting start at the Quidditch World Cup finals.Springer, Nancy I Am Mordred
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Hobbitt
The classic adventures of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbitt living in the land of The Shires.
NON FICTION AND BIOGRAPHY
Armstrong, L. with S. Jenkins It's Not About the Bike
Anyone interested in bicycling knows that Lance Armstrong has twice won the Tour de France, a qrueling weeks long race through all French terrains, including the Alps. Between his wins (latest in 2000), he battled an agressive form of cancer. This is story, both an exciting story of a sport and the inspirational story of an athlete.Calabro, Maria The Perilous Journey of the Donner Party
Canfield, Jack Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul
Dash, Joan The Longitude Prize
Fradin, Dennis & Judith Ida B.Wells:
Mother of the Civil Rights Movement
Freedman, Russell Babe D. Zaharias:
The Making of a Champion
Glover, Savion & Bruce Weber Savion: My Life in Tap
Lalicki, Tom Spellbinder:
The Life of Harry HoudiniLandau, Elaine John F. Kennedy, Jr.
This is a biography of the son of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. He died when the plane he was piloting crashed in the sea near Nantucket. His bride of one year and her sister perished with him. Often described as "America's Prince", he both lived and looked the part. The author writes about her subject in a very fair and balanced way which is very readable and very moving.Longman, Jere Girls of Summer:
The U.S. Women's Soccer Team
Mah, Adeline Chinese Cinderella:
The True Story of an Unwanted DaughterMurphy, Jim Blizzard! The Storm That Changed America
On March 10, 1888 the people of New York were enjoying a spring-like day. Within three days the northeast was buried under a mammoth blanket of snow. The author makes this factual account exciting by introducing us to various people before, during and after the storm. Imagine clearing such snow with only people power and snowshovels with no telephones or newscasts to let you know what was happening. Imagine being stranded on a train, or trying to cross the frozen East River to get home to Brooklyn as the ice begins to break up and flow out to sea.Murphy, Jim
The Great Fire1996 Newbery Honor Book
Myers, Walter Dean The Greatest: Muhammad Ali
POETRY
Cormier, Robert Frenchtown Summer
The award winning writer of fiction such as The Chocolate War, remembers a summer when he was a boy. Each experience of this summer is written as poetry reflecting the event as well as the author's inner feelings at the time. A special treat.
Frost, Robert Poetry
Hughes, Langston Poetry
Rosenberg, Lisa, ed. Light Gathering Poems
A collection of poems which use light imagery to foster positive and optimistic feelings.
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